According to reports, the former President had to negotiate a deal for him and his wife, Grace Mugabe before he stepped down.
Former Zimbabwe strong man, Robert Mugabe, resigned as President on Tuesday, November 21, 2017.
Mugabe had earlier refused to resign, after several weeks of pressure from the country’s military who took over government and placed him under house arrest.
According to reports, the former President had to negotiate a deal for him and his wife, Grace Mugabe before he stepped down.
Trouble started for Mugabe when he sacked his Vice-President and closest ally, Emmerson Mnangagwa also known as ‘The Crocodile’, a move many said was to pave way for Grace to replace him as President.
In his resignation letter, the former Zimbabwe President said he was resigning voluntarily.
Mugabe also said that he took the decision out of concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and a desire to ensure a smooth, peaceful and non-violent transfer of power.
See the resignation letter below:
State House
Harare, Zimbabwe
21 November 2017
The Honourable Jacob Mudenda
Notice of resignation as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe
In terms of the provisions of section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe, amendment number 20, 2013.
Following my verbal communication with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda at 13:53 hours, 21st November, 2017 intimating my intention to resign as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 (1) of the constitution of
Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe with immediate effect.
My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire to ensure a smooth, peaceful and non-violent transfer of power that underpins national security, peace and stability.
Kindly give public notice of my resignation as soon as possible as required by section 96 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe.
Yours faithfully,
Robert Gabriel Mugabe
President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
According to reports, the former Vice-President, Emmerson Mnangagwa will be sworn in as President.
According to CNN, some human rights activists are not comfortable with the choice of Mnangagwa as President, following reports that he played an active role during Robert Mugabe’s alleged repressive rule.
